After waiting in a single file line to get into the show, which by the way, turned me off to going to an Irvine show again, I got to my seat just as the lights went down.
Dio opened with “Killing The Dragon,” which is off the new album by the same name. They then ripped into “Last In Line.” After the first three songs, there was a drum solo, and I am not a big fan of solos, but Simon Wright kicked ass.
After the solo, the rest of the band emerged from backstage as Ronnie James yells out, "It looks like it's time to Stand Up And Shout!" After a few more songs -- “Holy Diver” being one of them -- there was a guitar solo. Now Craig Goldy should not be doing a solo, because in my opinion he's not the most talented guitarist I have ever heard. Nonetheless, he did the solo and that was that. Next up was some Black Sabbath tunes, such as, “Mob Rules,” “Heaven And Hell,” which was awesome, especially when RJD was lit up with a red light and pointing the horns down. Ronnie James, for being in his mid to late fifties, and that's only a guess, sounds great -- just like he did fifteen years ago.
I hope Dio does a fall tour this year. I only wish this show wasn't an opening slot for Dio, because forty-five minutes just isn't enough time for this band. You need at least two hours.
Ronnie James Dio, Simon Wright, Jimmy Bain, Craig Goldy -- Great show! Don't miss this band if they come your way some day.
Here is the set list:
1. Killing The Dragon
2. Last In Line
3. Dream Evil
4. Stand Up And Shout
5. Holy Diver
6. Rock N' Roll
7. Mob Rules
8. Heaven And Hell
9. Rainbow In The Dark